
Trip
Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Snoqualmie Summit East
Mid-week ski touring workout at Summit East
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.
- Tue, Dec 22, 2020
- Foothills Backcountry Skiing Committee
- Backcountry Skiing
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 4.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
- High Point Elevation: 3,800 ft
- Pace: Moderate
- FULL (8 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Summit East base area -- between the day lodge and the ski patrol hut.
https://goo.gl/maps/VrUHjkeafUQyYyed8
GPS: 47.3904944946, -121.396232807
7:00PM
Note this trailhead/meeting area lacks any bathroom facilities (Summit East closed on Wednesdays). However the "Traveler Rest" on HWY-906 between Exit 52 and Exit 53 is easily visited enroute. https://goo.gl/maps/YtQxQG7R58WWJekcA
At this time due to COVID-19, I'm discouraging carpooling with non-household members. The trip plans and guidance may change at anytime due to changing conditions, this includes last minute cancellation.
Because this trip starts after sunset and uses part of the ski area NOT lighted for night skiing -- please bring two strong headlamps with fresh/fully charged batteries. Even though this trip lies entirely within a developed ski area where the ski patrol manages the avalanche risk, I expect everyone to carry avalanche gear -- and we will before a beacon check at the start. (Hey this is supposed to be a work out).
We will skin up "Hyak Face" to the top station of the backside lift (Basically the summit of "Mt Hyak" ) at a "free pace" The leader is old and fat and will bring up the rear. We will regroup at the top station and assess how everyone is doing. We will ski down the "Hidden Valley" run and regroup at the loading station and the skin up "Solitude" to the ski patrol shack and regroup before skiing back down "Hyak Face" and regrouping at the start point. Both the front side and backside runs are considered "easy blacks" runs. Expect the skiing to be somewhat more challenging because of skiing by headlamp. If there is interest, repeat laps may be performed.
Depending on snow conditions the exact route or even the ski area used may change. The trip leader will inform roster members 24 hours in advance of such a change. (e.g. if snow coverage is, low Summit West may be used, if snow conditions are challenging "blue runs" for the descent may be chosen instead)
Rough route map:
http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgIC-6fyuCgw
Note: A Winter Storm Warning, Extreme Avalanche Forecast from NWAC, Heavy or Freezing Rain or "Chains Required" on the highway will cancel the trip.
Additional Info:
My Touring Tips
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORz50-KICoi6mhjK2LsNFTqCrf3MpxuCYJsxm61dZ0k/edit?usp=sharing
My day touring ski pack contents:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZvHTlJXqYwxn0sF7adqf5SWEqIXgFY5ELi-nQjfjfg/edit?usp=sharing
Link to a blank copy of IFMGA Mountain Guide Mike Smiley's "So what's your skiing ability?" calculator. Please make a copy of this and fill it out for yourself and let me know your "belt color"
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_9dL6NKNDTtMkICOlC1UWQCP0-cz0xvXCCz371mWVrE/edit?usp=sharing
My Driving Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zJFjWZQ5HXp8UE5pIgKP3ZwursgV_TmkaBGMWRYwN_s/edit?usp=sharing
Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas
-
Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
USGS Snoqualmie Pass - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Boots, skis/snowboard, poles
- Climbing skins
- Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
- Avalanche beacon (two or three antenna digital beacon -- no analog beacons)
- Avalanche probe
- Two strong headlamps with fresh/fully charged batteries.
- COVID-19 face covering